A firefighter battles a blaze set by Russian strikes on Ukraine, July 12, 2025

EA-Times Radio VideoCast: Ukraine — Will Trump Finally Learn Putin Won’t Stop Invasion?

Ukraine War, Day 1,234: Russia Attacks The West, Murders 2 and Injures 18

I joined BBC Radio Scotland and India’s WION on Saturday to evaluate the state of Russia’s 40 1/2-month invasion of Ukraine and whether Donald Trump will finally support Kyiv’s resistance.

I note Trump’s frustration with Vladimir Putin’s refusal of a ceasefire and the Kremlin’s record drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian civilians.

However, lasting US aid could be jeopardized by two factors: 1) a chaotic and unpredictable Trump; and 2) the division within his Administration between those backing Ukrainian and European security and those seeing no need for it.

Listen to BBC Radio Scotland from 22:19

Journalist Bethany Elliott and I consider whether Putin “overplayed” his hand and alienated Trump.

I knock back the assertion of a previous guest that “Russia is winning”, setting out the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine’s strikes on Russian military facilities.

We assess whether the increasing cost of the invasion puts the Kremlin in a window to try and break Ukraine this year, as it may be facing economic constraints.

Watch WION from 1:58

I elaborate further on the effect of Russia’s record strikes.

I think this signals that Donald Trump’s idea of working with Vladimir Putin, effectively supporting the Russian invasion while proclaiming the end of the war, is not working.

I consider the prospect of toughened US sanctions on Moscow:

Donald Trump still has this idea he can trade with Russia, which is a fantasy but he holds onto it.

However, the US Congress is moving towards tougher sanctions. Can they get this bill through in the next few weeks and, if Trump vetoes it, can they override that veto?

And can the European Union pass its 18th package of sanctions?